Auto body repair & detailing: silver metallic paint repair, paint booths, subaru outback

Question
My metallic silver '05 Subaru Outback got scraped by a snowplow. The swipe is down to the metal and slightly creased horizontally across combined 2ft of the passenger front & back doors just above the horizontal door guard trim. The local shop wants $1300 to disassemble both doors, repair, paint, buy new trim/guards, etc. I can only afford about half that so as skilled amatuer I'm considering doing it myself. Repairing and prepping the surface is realtively straightforward. The paint confuses: 1) If I go with a pro shop, what kind of paint/process should I be asking about to properly replicate the factory job; is it metalic base + urethane clear coat? Is it heat or UV set? 2)What are the best paint products for the weekender to consider using? I have the compressor but no gun and haven't painted a car fender since high school, 35 years ago.

Answer
The paint on your Subaru will be a basecoat/clearcoat. the clearcoat will have a activator (hardner). This type of application can be either heat dry or air dry.  The bake cycle in the paint booths is mainly for the productivity of the larger shops- quicker turnover times. The finish will be just as durable either way... For you to try and replicate the original finish at home you will need to get a paintgun. Yes- urethane clears are the best for u/v protection. I myself have used several product lines -eg. PPG,, Dupont..RM.. They are all very good products but be sure to follow their mixing ratios etc.  If you decide to spray the repair yourself I would suggest doing a practice panel first.....All the best to you and let me know how you make out with your painting........Kim